Handicare Puma 20 User manual

USER MANUAL EN

2 Puma 20

Puma 20 3
© 2011 Handicare
All rights reserved.
The information provided herein may not be reproduced and/or published in any form, by print,
photoprint, microfilm or any other means whatsoever (electronically or mechanically) without the prior
written authorization of Handicare.
The information provided is based on general data concerning the construction known at the time of
the publication of this manual. Handicare executes a policy of continuous improvement and reserves
the right to changes and modifications.
The information provided is valid for the product in its standard version. Handicare can therefore not
be held liable for any damage resulting from specifications of the product deviating from the standard
configuration. Illustrations contained in the manual may deviate from the configuration of your product.
The information made available has been prepared with all possible diligence, but Handicare cannot
be held liable for any errors contained in the information or the consequences thereof.
Handicare accepts no liability for loss resulting from work executed by third parties.
Names, trade names, trademarks etc. used by Handicare may not, as per the legislation concerning
the protection of trade names, be considered as being available.

4 Puma 20

Puma 20 Table of content 5
Table of content
1 Introduction....................................................................................................................................7
1.1 This user manual 7
1.2 Symbols used in this manual 7
2 Safety ............................................................................................................................................8
2.1 Temperature 8
2.2 Electromagnetic radiation 8
2.3 Moving parts 8
3 General description .......................................................................................................................9
3.1 Main components 9
3.2 Configurations 9
3.3 The user 9
3.4 User environment 10
4 Use of the wheelchair.................................................................................................................. 11
4.1 Adjustment options 11
4.2 Checking the wheelchair before use 12
4.3 Getting in and out of the wheelchair (transfer) 12
4.4 Driving the wheelchair 13
4.5 Obstacles 15
4.6 Pushing the wheelchair 15
4.7 Storage after use 16
5 Settings .......................................................................................................................................17
5.1 Seating system 17
5.2 Seat height 17
5.3 Centre of gravity setting 18
5.4 Controller height and depth 18
5.5 Control system programme 18
6 Transport .....................................................................................................................................19
6.1 Transport without occupant 19
6.2 Safety in cars 19
7 Maintenance................................................................................................................................23
7.1 Maintenance plan 23
7.2 Batteries 23
7.3 Tyres 24
7.4 Cleaning and desinfection 24
7.5 Used products and the environment 25
8 Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................26
9 Technical specifications...............................................................................................................27
9.1 CE declaration and requirements 27
9.2 Technical information 27
9.3 Electric wiring diagram 29

6 Table of content Puma 20
10 Labelling......................................................................................................................................30
10.1 Markings on the wheelchair 30
11 Accessories.................................................................................................................................31
12 Warranty......................................................................................................................................32
12.1 Definitions of terms 32
12.2 Warranty period table 33

Introduction 7Puma 20
1 Introduction
Congratulations on choosing a Handicare
wheelchair. Handicare’s high-quality
mobility products are designed to enhance
independence and make your everyday life
easier.
1.1 This user manual
This user manual will help you to use and
maintain your wheelchair safely. This entire
user manual for this wheelchair consists of
three booklets:
• The general wheelchair user manual (this
booklet)
• The user manual for the seating system
• The user manual for the controller
When necessary this general user manual
refers to other manuals as shown below:
Seating system: Refers to the user manual
for the seating system.
Controller: Refers to the user manual
for the controller.
Battery charger: Refers to the user manual
for the battery charger.
Read this entire user manual (all of the
booklets) carefully before using the product.
If one of the user manuals was not included
with your wheelchair, please contact your
dealer immediately.
In addition to this user manual, there is also a
service manual for qualified specialists.
Contact Handicare if you
have a visual impairment.
1.2 Symbols used in this manual
Note!
Pointing out possible problems to the user.
Caution!
Advice for the user to prevent damage to the
product.
Warning!
Warnings for the user to prevent personal in
jury.
Not following these instructions may result
in physical injury, damage to the product or
damage to the environment!

Puma 208 Safety
5 5
1
3
2
4
1
2 Safety
Warning!
Always follow the instructions given next to
the warning symbols! Not following these
instructions may result in physical injury,
damage to the wheelchair or damage to
the environment. Where possible, the
warnings have been placed in the applicable
paragraphs.
2.1 Temperature
Warning!
Avoid physical contact with the wheelchair’s
motors. The motors are continuously in
motion during use and can reach high
temperatures. After use, the motors will cool
down slowly. Physical contact may cause
burns.
Ensure that the wheelchair is not exposed
to direct sunlight for extended periods of
time. Certain parts of the wheelchair, such
as the seat, the backrest and the armrests,
can become hot if exposed to the sun for too
long. This may cause burns or skin irritation.
2.2 Electromagnetic radiation
The standard version of your electric
wheelchair has been tested for compliance
with the applicable requirements regarding
electromagnetic radiation (EMC requirements).
Note!
It cannot be excluded that electromagnetic
radiation emanating from mobile telephones,
medical apparatus and other sources, may
have an influence on the wheelchair.
It cannot be excluded that the wheelchair
will interfere with the electromagnetic fields
of, for example, shop doors, burglar alarm
systems and/or garage door openers.
In the unlikely event that such problems do
occur, you are requested to notify your dealer
immediately.
2.3 Moving parts
Warning!
Contact with the moving parts of the
wheelchair should be avoided. A wheelchair
has moving and rotating parts. Contact with
moving parts may result in serious physical
injury or damage to the wheelchair.
Moving/rotating parts (figure 1):
1. Electrically tilt adjustment
2. Electrically reclining backrest
3. Electrically elevating legrest
4. Flip-up armrests
5. Wheels (turning and pivoting)

General description 9Puma 20
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
8
2
3 General description
Comfort is of paramount importance to many
people who make use of a wheelchair. And this
is exactly what this electrical driven wheelchair
offers: an unknown degree of driving comfort.
A distinctive feature is the unique independent
suspension system, which absorbs not only
shocks, but also vibrations.
3.1 Main components
See figure 2:
1. Drive wheels
2. Castor wheels
3. Freewheel switch
4. Controller
5. Seat cushion
6. Backrest
7. Armrest
8. Legrest with foot support
9. Headrest
3.2 Configurations
Generally speaking, the wheelchair comprises
a chassis with a seating system on top. This
special chassis makes it possible for the
wheelchair to be configured as front wheel drive
or rear wheel-drive. The wheelchair is available
in different speeds (6 km/h & 10 km/h).
In addition, the Puma 20 can be supplied with
two different types of tyres (for indoor and
outdoor use). This will have an effect on certain
specifications.
3.3 The user
Driving an electric wheelchair requires a user
to have cognitive, physical and visual skills.
The user must be able to estimate and correct
the results of actions taken when operating the
wheelchair.
The wheelchair may not transport more than
one person at a time. The maximum user
weight is 136 kg unless otherwise indicated
on the identification plate. Additional weight,
such as rucksacks, accessories or medical
apparatus, must be added to the user’s weight
to determine the maximum weight, which may
not be exceeded.

10 General description Puma 20
The user must be familiar with the contents of
the user manual before driving the wheelchair.
In addition, the user of the wheelchair must
have been given thorough instruction in
using the wheelchair by a qualified specialist
before he or she participates in traffic. The
first sessions in the wheelchair should be held
under the supervision of a trainer/advisor.
Warning!
The user of the wheelchair is responsible for
complying with the applicable local safety
regulations and guidelines.
Make sure the lapstrap is correctly fitted to
the wheelchair and adjusted to the user.
(Seating system)
Driving the wheelchair under the influence of
medicines that can affect your ability to drive
is not permitted.
Driving the wheelchair without sufficient
eyesight is not permitted.
No more than one person is to be seated in
the wheelchair at a time.
Do not allow children to ride in the
wheelchair unsupervised
3.4 User environment
This wheelchair has been designed for both
indoor and outdoor use (EN12184 (2009) class
B). When driving the wheelchair outdoors, drive
only on paved roads, pavements, footpaths and
bicycle paths. The speed must be adjusted to
suit the environment.
When all of the adjustment options are set to
standard position (see 4.1 Adjustment options),
a slope of ≤10˚is deemed to be a normal
user environment for an RWD model without
there being any danger of instability. For an
FWD model this is ≤10˚. In the technical
specifications, you will find this under ‘maximum
safe slope’.
Warning!
A wheelchair should be regarded as a
replacement for the walking function. Users
must therefore travel among pedestrians and
not on roads or streets with traffic.
Drive carefully on roads which are slippery
as a result of rain, ice or snow!
Always turn on lights in cases of limited
visibility.
Exert extra care when driving at higher
speeds. Select a lower maximum speed
when driving indoors, on pavements and in
pedestrian areas.
Do not drive off of high obstacles.
Do not use the wheelchair if temperatures
are below -10˚C or above +50˚C.
Do not attach any weights to the wheelchair
without the approval of a qualified specialist.
This may negatively affect the stability of the
product.
Do not use the wheelchair for pushing and/or
towing objects.
Do not use the legrests for opening doors.
Do not drive through puddles of water
(ISO7176-9-IPX4).
Note!
Prevent the wheelchair from coming into
contact with sea water: sea water is caustic
and may damage the wheelchair.
Prevent the wheelchair from coming into
contact with sand: sand can permeate into
the moving parts of the wheelchair, causing
unnecessary fast wear of these parts.

Use of the wheelchair 11Puma 20
3
4 Use of the wheelchair
4.1 Adjustment options
The wheelchair can be supplied with the
following mechanical and/or electrical
adjustment options which can be made by the
user without the use of tools:
Mechanical adjustment options
(Seating system)
1. Manually elevating legrests
2. Swing-away joystick holder
3. Headrest
Electrical adjustment options (figure 3)
(Controller)
1. Electrical tilt adjustment
Standard position: not tilted
2. Electrically reclining backrest
Standard position: upright
3. Electrically elevating legrests
Standard position: as vertical as possible
Warning!
Use of the electrical adjustment options
may influence the stability of the wheelchair.
Use the adjustment options only when the
wheelchair is on a flat surface.
Avoid contact with moving and/or rotating
parts when making electrical adjustments.
Contact with moving and/or rotating parts
may result in serious physical injury or
damage to the wheelchair.

12 Use of the wheelchair Puma 20
A
4
4.2 Checking the wheelchair
before use
Before driving check that:
1. The tyres are sufficiently inflated (see 7.3
Tyres).
2. The batteries are sufficiently charged. The
green lights on the battery indicator must be
on. (Controller)
3. The lights and the indicator lights are
working properly. (Controller)
4. The freewheel switch has been set to ‘drive’
(see 4.6 Pushing the wheelchair).
Note!
Before use, always check to see whether
clothing or accessories could come into
contact with wheels or other moving and/
or rotating parts in which they could become
entangled.
The capacity of batteries is reduced in winter.
During a period of light frost, the capacity
is roughly 75% of the normal capacity. At
temperatures below -5˚C this will be roughly
50%. This will reduce the wheelchair’s range.
4.3 Getting in and out of the
wheelchair (transfer)
(Seating system)
Warning!
Before a transfer is made, ensure that the
controller has been switched off.
Ensure that the freewheel switch has been
switched to ‘drive’ (see 4.6 Pushing the
wheelchair)
Do not stand on the footrests. Putting
your full weight on the footrests may lead
to wheelchair damage and to hazardous
situations, including the wheelchair tipping
up.
Forwards transfer
Flip up the footplate (figure 4)
1. Flip up (A)

Use of the wheelchair 13Puma 20
1
A
Sedeo g 38-A
A
B
3
2
1
5
6
Swinging back and/or removing the standard
legrest (figure 5)
1. Push (A) forwards and keep (A) pressed.
2. Swing (B) to the side.
3. Remove (B).
Sideways transfer
Note!
Some versions of the controller will need to
be swung aside.
Flip up the armrest (figure 6)
1. Fold (A) to the rear
4.4 Driving the wheelchair
Note!
Bear in mind that other road users may not
always notice you.
Observe the traffic regulations in force.
Avoid out-of-the-way routes so that help can
be found quickly when needed.
Adjust your driving style and speed to the
circumstances.
Electric wheelchairs are driven by means of a
controller. There is a separate user manual for
the controller and this was included with this
wheelchair (Controller).
1. Switch on the controller.
2. Set the maximum speed limit.
3. Move the joystick in the direction in which
you would like to go.
4. Moving the joystick even further forwards will
cause the wheelchair to drive faster.

14 Use of the wheelchair Puma 20
Curves
Note!
Never take curves at full speed. Decrease
your speed before taking a curve.
Use the indicators when changing direction.
Braking/Emergency stop
To brake, move the joystick to the neutral
position or release completely. The wheelchair
will then brake automatically. An emergency
stop can also be made by releasing the joystick.
Stopping distance:
• 6 km/h: 1 meter
• 10 km/h: 2 meter
Warning!
When driving avoid the following:
Do not push the on/off button.
Do not change to driving in the opposite
direction suddenly.
In such cases, the wheelchair will come to
an abrupt standstill with a sudden jolt. Not
only is this uncomfortable, it could lead to the
wheelchair tipping over if on a slope.
Driving on a slope
When all of the adjustment options are set
to the standard position (see 4.1 Adjustment
options), a gradient of ≤10˚(17.6%) is deemed
to be a normal user environment for an RWD
wheelchair without there being any danger
of instability. For an FWD model this is ≤10˚
(17.6%).This information can also be found in
9.2 Technical information under ‘maximum safe
slope’.
Slopes steeper than the normal user
environment
Driving on slopes with a gradient greater than
the maximum safety limit may lead to safety
risks with respect to stability. This requires
great care and complete control on the part of
the user. Always drive carefully and never take
unnecessary risks! Follow the instructions given
by the warnings!
The stability and performance of a wheelchair
depend on a number of variables. Wheelchairs
are adapted to the needs of individual users.
This is why variables will differ from wheelchair
to wheelchair. You should therefore ask your
dealer to inform you about how to use the
wheelchair and whether the specific settings
and adjustments for your own situation can
influence the driving characteristics of the
wheelchair.
Warning!
When driving on a slope, always drive
carefully and with the utmost concentration.
Avoid sudden, jerky movements.
Avoid making emergency stops on a slope.
Avoid changing direction on a slope
whenever possible.
Do not turn on a slope.
Only drive up a slope with all the adjustment
options set to the neutral position.
Never drive in reverse on a slope.
Do not drive on slopes with loose gravel or a
sandy surface, as one of the driving wheels
could slip/spin.
Do not drive on slopes for extended periods
of time in order to prevent the motor from
overheating.
When driving down a slope forwards in an
FWD wheelchair, use an anti-tip mechanism.
If you notice a significant decrease in speed
when driving up a slope, take a route which
is less steep.
Prevent the wheelchair from gaining too
much speed when driving downhill.

Use of the wheelchair 15Puma 20
A
B
Pag.
10
nr.2
7
4.5 Obstacles
Driving up a kerb
1. Choose the place where the kerb is at its
lowest.
2. Drive straight up to the kerb at a right angle
to it (20 cm in front of the kerb).
3. Move the joystick forwards. Drive up the
kerb without changing direction.
4. Maintain speed until all of the wheels are on
the pavement. If mounting the pavement is
not possible, find a place where the kerb is
lower.
Driving down a kerb
1. Choose the place where the kerb is at its
lowest.
2. Drive straight down the kerb with your front
wheels at a right angle to it.
3. Move the joystick slowly forwards. Drive
down the kerb carefully and as slowly as
possible without changing direction.
Warning!
Never drive down steps or off of obstacles
higher than 60 mm in a wheelchair.
4.6 Pushing the wheelchair
The wheelchair can also be moved by
pushing. In order to do so, the motors must
be disengaged using a freewheel switch. This
feature was developed for the attendants of
wheelchair users.
The freewheel switch has two positions:
1. The ‘Drive’ position (figure 7A).
2. The ‘Push’ position (figure 7B).
Warning!
The freewheel switch should only be
operated by the attendant and never by the
user.
Never set the switch to ‘push’ on a slope!
When the freewheel switch is set to ‘push’,
the automatic parking brake is deactivated.
This makes it possible for the wheelchair to
roll down the slope.

16 Use of the wheelchair Puma 20
The automatic parking brake only works if
the switch is set to the ‘drive’ position.
When the chair is no longer being pushed,
the freewheel switch should be set to ‘drive’
immediately.
4.7 Storage after use
When the wheelchair is not in use, it must
be stored in a dry place where it will not be
exposed to weather conditions.
Note!
Do not place the wheelchair in direct
sunlight. Under such circumstances parts
of the wheelchair can become so hot that
they can cause burns. During storage, the
ambient temperature should not be lower
than -20˚C or higher than +65˚C.

Settings 17Puma 20
5 Settings
The average wheelchair user does not exist.
This is why Handicare wheelchairs can be
adjusted according to the specific needs of the
user.
In this, we make a distinction between
wheelchair settings and wheelchair adjustment
options. Settings are carried out only once
and must be executed by qualified specialists,
unless explicitly stated otherwise. Adjustment
options can be carried out by the user. These
adjustment options do not require the use of
tools.
Warning!
It is not allowed to change the technical
specifications of the wheelchair.
Do not make any changes to the electrical
circuit.
Modifications to the wheelchair or to any
parts thereof are not permitted.
Caution!
Parts of the wheelchair that are intended, for
servicing or repair, to be removed without
the use of tools (e.g. electronics and battery
covers) can have an adversery effect on the
electrical functioning of the wheelchair if they
are missing or not placed back in the right
position.
5.1 Seating system
The extensive settings with respect to the
seating system allow for optimum support of
the body (Seating system). The following
setting options are possible:
1. Seat depth and seat width
2. Backrest angle
3. Armrest height
4. Lower leg length
5.2 Seat height
Depending on the specific circumstances of the
user of the wheelchair the seat height can be
set. Every optional seat height lays within the
10˚(17.6%) maximum safe slope of according
to EN12184 (2009) ClassB. Lowering the seat
height has a positive influence on the (dynamic)
stability.
Warning!
Increasing seat height has a negative effect
on dynamic stability

18 Settings Puma 20
A
B
8
5.3 Centre of gravity setting
In case of re-use of the wheelchair or
when adapting the seat depth, it might be
necessary to change the centre of gravity. The
wheelchair’s centre of gravity can be adjusted
within the seating system (figure 8)
(Seating system).
Caution!
Changing the wheelchair’s centre of gravity
may negatively influence the wheelchair’s
driving characteristics and/or its dynamic
stability.
In case of doubt, contact the technical support
department at Handicare.
5.4 Controller height and depth
(Seating system)
5.5 Control system programme
This wheelchair is equipped with a control
system that can be programmed by adjusting
settings within the system. This is a specialized
job that needs training and can only be adjusted
with professional software. It’s not possible and
allowed for end users to adjust these settings.
Warning!
The incorrect setting of the parameters
for the control system may result in very
dangerous situations.
Settings must be made by qualified
specialists.

Transport 19Puma 20
101248-05_26
A
C
D
B
9
10
6 Transport
6.1 Transport without occupant
Parts of the wheelchair that can easily be
detached should be removed when transporting
the wheelchair (figure 9)
(Seating system).
a. Removing the headrest
b. Fold backrest forward
c. Removing the armrest (option)
d. Removing the legrests
Store these parts securely. Use suitable ramps
for wheeling the chair in and out of the vehicle.
Once the wheelchair is in the vehicle, it must
be secured with an ISO 10542 approved tie-
down system that is suited to the weight of that
particular wheelchair including any options (see
9.2 Technical information).
6.2 Safety in cars
Note!
This wheelchair is crashtested according
to ISO 7176-19 (2008) with a maximum
passenger weight of 136 kg.
Wheelchairs are not primarily designed to be
used as car seats and cannot offer the same
degree of safety offered by standard car seats,
no matter how securely they have been tied
down in the vehicle concerned.
Due attention should be paid to the following
points when a transfer from the wheelchair to a
standard car seat is not possible.
The wheelchair can be used as a passenger
seat in a car or bus by using a 4-point
integrated transport tie-down system that has
been approved to ISO 10542 standards. Make
sure that this restraint system is suitable to the
total weigth of the wheelchair. The weight of a
wheelchair depends on it’s configuration. The
specifications (see 9.2 Technical information)
give an overview of several options and their
share in the total weight. Always weigh the
total chair to make sure that the right restraint
system is used.
The system requires tie-down rails to be
mounted in the car. The chair must always be
strapped to the four tie-down points (figure 10).

20 Transport Puma 20
Warning!
Transfer to a regular car seat if possible
Always ask the transporter for confirmation that the vehicle is suitably designed, insured and
equipped for transporting a person in a wheelchair
Set the wheelchair in the standard position (see 4.1 Adjustment options) and use the headrest if the
wheelchair is fitted with one.
The wheelchair must always be switched off when being transported.
Warning!
A. The wheelchair should be in a forward facing direction
and secured in accordance with the instructions from the
manufacturer of the fastening system.
B. This wheelchair is approved for use in cars and meets the
requirements for forward facing transport and head on collisions.
The wheelchair has not been tested for other positions in a
vehicle.
C.The wheelchair has been dynamically tested in a forward facing
direction, with the user secured by both a pelvic and chest belt
(3-point seat belt)
D.Both the pelvic and chest belts should be used to reduce the
risk of head and chest injuries in the event of colliding with parts
in the car.
E. In order to reduce the risk of injury to the user, tables that are
fitted to the wheelchair must be:
• Removed and secured separately in the vehicle, or
• Secured to the wheelchair, but with energy-absorbing padding
placed between the table and the user
F. Where possible, other wheelchair accessories should be
secured to the wheelchair or removed from the chair and
secured in the vehicle during transport, so that they don’t
become loose and cause injury to the user in the event of a
collision.
G.Support and positioning equipment must not be regarded
as safety equipment/seat belts if they are not labelled in
accordance with the requirements of ISO 7176/19-2008.